The Hammer Golf Game: Rules, Strategy and Etiquette

The Hammer is the side game that turns a quiet hole into a showdown. One team says "hammer". The hole is now worth double. The other team has to decide: play on, or fold.

Here is how it works, plus some strategy.

The basic rules

These are the most common rules. Groups vary, so agree yours before the round.

1. Two teams. Usually two-versus-two.
2. Each hole has a base value. Say $1, or 1 point.
3. Either team can hammer. That doubles the current value.
4. The other team accepts or concedes.

• Accept: play on for the doubled value.
• Concede: lose the hole at the value before the hammer.

1. The hammer passes. After a team accepts, only they can hammer next on that hole.

So a $1 hole can become $2, then $4, then $8.

When can you hammer?

Groups use different rules. Pick one.

• Any time. Even mid-swing, if you are brave.
• Between shots only. Most common. Fair and clear.
• Not on the green. Stops last-second hammers over putts.

How team scoring works

Most groups use best ball for the Hammer. The lower score on each team counts. Lowest team score wins the hole.

Some use team total. Both players' scores added. That is harsher, and makes hammers riskier.

Strategy: when to hammer

The hammer is a pressure tool. Use it when the pressure helps you.

Hammer when you are clearly ahead

Your partner is on the green in two. Theirs are both in the bunker. Hammer. They will probably fold, and you take the hole.

Hammer when they look nervous

A tight tee shot. A long carry over water. A hammer right before they hit puts the pressure on.

Hammer to flip the momentum

Behind after a few holes? A well-timed hammer can win back a lot fast. It is also how you lose a lot fast.

Strategy: when to fold

Folding is not weakness. It is math.

• Both your balls are in trouble and theirs are safe. Fold.
• You are already down a lot on the day. Fold small holes, fight big ones.
• You are not sure. Fold early. Hammers get expensive.

Strategy: the re-hammer

Once you accept a hammer, you hold it. That means you can hammer back.

If you accepted because you think you can win, look for the moment their shot goes wrong. Then hammer back. That is how a $1 hole becomes $4.

Etiquette

The Hammer is a trash-talk game. Keep it fun.

• Call it clearly. "Hammer" said out loud, to the other team.
• No hammer during a backswing unless your group has agreed it is allowed. Most have not.
• Answer quickly. No five-minute conferences.
• Cap the value. Many groups cap a hole at 8 times the base. It keeps losses friendly.
• Celebrate good folds too. Knowing when to quit is a skill.

Hammer with bigger teams

Hammer is built for two-versus-two. On a trip with two teams of four, play it inside each foursome. Each foursome is two pairs, one from each team. The hole value goes to the pair, and the pairs' results add up to the team.

With 12 players, that is three Hammer matches running at once. Keep a running total per team, so everyone knows how the side game stands across the course.

Sample rules sheet

1. Teams of two. Best ball.
2. Base value: 1 point per hole.
3. Hammer between shots, not on the green.
4. Accept or concede within 30 seconds.
5. Max value per hole: 8 points.
6. Settle at the end of the round.

Paste it into your group chat. Change the numbers. Lock it.

Variations

• Pre-hammer. A team can hammer before anyone tees off.
• Auto-hammer on par 3s. Every par 3 starts at double.
• Last-hole double. The 18th starts at double, for a big finish.

Use one at most. Too many twists slow the game.

Tracking the hammer

The tricky part is remembering the value of each hole. After a few re-hammers, people disagree. An app that scores the Hammer saves the argument.

MATCHUPS scores Hammer as a side game, alongside Skins, High/Low and Low/Low. It runs on iPhone and Apple Watch only, with live scoring and a lock-screen scoreboard. Check the rules screen in the app to see exactly how it handles hammers, since house rules vary.

Hammer King is one of our favorite golf trip awards. Hand it to whoever called the most.

See other games in our golf side bets guide, and other apps in our comparison.

Full disclosure: The 19th Hole Gazette is made by the MATCHUPS team. MATCHUPS runs Skins, the Hammer and team games on iPhone and Apple Watch. Get it on the App Store · matchupsgolf.com

FAQ

How do you play Hammer in golf?

A team calls hammer to double the hole's value. The other team accepts and plays on, or concedes the hole at its previous value.

Can you re-hammer in golf?

In common rules, yes. The team that accepted a hammer holds it and can hammer back.

Does MATCHUPS track the Hammer game?

Yes. MATCHUPS scores Hammer as a side game.